The sand partridge, Ammoperdix heyi, is considered a game bird of the pheasant family, Phasianidae. This 22-25 cm bird is characterized by its relatively smaller size in comparison with the chukar partridge, in addition to its sandy-brown plumage, the blue-grey head, and the white cheek patch with a yellow-orange bill that could be recognized easily in adult males. It has flanks with wavy strippings of white/black/ brown patches. The female of that species is paler than the male and it lacks the white on the head.

This partridge is native to Egypt and Palestine, and may be found in the east and south of the Arabian Peninsula. In Palestine it is generally found in the southern areas, mainly in the desert of the eastern slopes of the West Bank and the rift valley. The partridge inhabits desolate rocky highlands (cliffs, ravines and barren areas) and stony hillsides and wadies, with scattered bushes and Acacias, in addition to other areas that have access to water in desert regions. Few partridges may inhabit steppes between the Mediterranean and semi-desert areas.

The social behaviour of the partridge is such that it congregates in colonies of 10-20 birds per flock. It nests in scantily lined ground scrapes, laying 5-7 eggs. The sand partridge eats a wide variety of seeds and some insects. It is often not shy and easy to approach. When disturbed, the sand partridge prefers to run rather than fly, but if necessary it flies for short distances on rounded wings.

The sand partridge is considered one of the few bird species that, according to Birdlife International, has a small total world range, with important populations in the Middle East, especially Palestine, lending its importance to the species’ endemism in the region. It is worth mentioning that the sand partridge’s population is dramatically decreasing due to hunting activities, especially egg collection during the breeding season, and pesticide poisoning. It is important to conserve and protect its habitat as part of our responsibility towards protecting our natural heritage.

Sami Backleh is a freelance wildlife researcher.